Monday, October 24, 2016

Bite beauty Multistick in Almond

I was very intrigued by the Bite beauty multistick after it's launched in Sephora. I was going on a trip to Shanghai, and needed something small and multitasking. That's when this little guy came in handy. I got the shade Almond, which described as a rich mahogany color. I figured September was officially the beginning of Fall, and this color would be perfect. There are a multitude of colors from this line, and I think that's really nice. Most shades are quite neutral which are suitable for all skin tones. I'm more drawn toward the richer shades such as this one. I originally wanted to purchase Cerise, which was described as a dark cherry with brown. I was really just looking for a dupe for the Chanel Fall collection, where Kristen Stewart rocked that beauty rich reddish brown eyeshadow in the Ad. Either way, I got Almond instead because it's a little bit more wearable for everyday. This color still has a reddish undertone in it, and it's really flattering either sheered out or with full opacity. The tube has some substantial weight to it, and contains 4.75g of products. It's cased in a grayish matte rubberized finished casing. The product itself is creamy and smooth, but not too creamy to the point of melting easily under heat. The cap has a magnetic closure to ensure the product doesn't dry out overtime. I was surprised by the little palm sized stick because most of my other blush/bronzer sticks are rather large. This product is available for purchase at Sephora, and it retails for $24. I think it's cool that companies are coming out with more beauty muti-taskers because they are lifesavers for busy people. Back then, people would use lipsticks as cream blushes to create a cohesive and monochromatic look. The difference between this particular product and a traditional lipstick is that its cream to powder formula. Bite beauty lipsticks are known for it's creamy texture and opacity. Those qualities are still in this product, but it dries down to a powder finish. Hence, it lasts longer on the face besides the lips. I find no problem blending this out with my finger or with a brush. I love user friendly this product is. It's great for traveling, and good for beginners as well. I can't wait to pick up more shades from this line of product as I already set my eyes on Cerise, Honeywheat, Cocoa, Anise, and Biscotti. 

What it is: 
A multistick that applies like a cream and wears like a powder for weightless color application—just apply with your finger or a brush on the eyes, lips, and cheeks. 

What it does: 
With 35 percent powder in each Multistick bullet, this silicone-free formula creates a soft focus finish that's blendable, breathable, and buildable. It features universal shades for the eyes, lips, and cheeks that compliment all skintones and are formulated to use anywhere on the face. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
- Parabens 
- Sulfates 
- Phthalates 

What else you need to know: 
Bite Beauty products are free of petrochemicals and silicones.


Almond

-5 mg Trans-Resveratrol: Derived from Vitis Vinifera and Polygonum Cuspidatum.
-Sugarcane Derived Squalane: Feeds lips and skin with hydration and supports regeneration.
-Weightless Amino Acid-Coated Powders: Create a smooth, blendable application.

Triisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate*, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate*, Squalane*, Silica*, Coconut Alkanes*, C10-18 Triglyceride*, Cera Albla (Beeswax)**, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter**, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax**, Jojoba Esters*, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax**, Mica*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Wax, Bismuth Oxychloride*, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables*, Flavor*, Stearoyl Glutamic Acid*, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate*, Tocopherol*, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax*, Polyglycerin-3*, Trans-Resveratrol*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil**. +/- May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)*, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499)*, Carmine (Ci 75470)*, Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742)*. *Natural, **Organic.






I applied this all over my eyelids, cheeks, as well as on my lips with a light hand. The color can be more intensified when using it straight on without much blending. I love how natural this look is for everyday wear, and I can always apply more on my lips for a darker finish for an evening look. It's very versatile.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Hourglass Vanish Foundation Stick

            I actually got this Hourglass Vanish seamless finish foundation stick($46) before the Anastasia Beverly Hills stick foundation($25). I ought to compare the two in a video, but haven't got a chance ever since I came back from my recent Shanghai trip. I took this and the ABH stick foundation with me. I have to say that though this one is much more expensive, it's better. It's better in terms of coverage, finish, longevity, and texture. I know that this only has 0.25oz of product, and we are so used to a full ounce with normal foundations. To tell you the truth, I own a lot of foundations, and I love to test out foundations and mascaras as well as lip colors. Honestly, do we really ever go through a whole bottle of foundation? I mean, I don't. Well, I did with four so far. The Missha BB cream, ELF serum foundation, Covergirl Outlast 3-in-1 foundation, and the Physician's formula cushion compact. That's it. I've used up all those four face makeup throughout all the years that I've been wearing makeup! I'm sure I will finish up this one soon because it only has a quarter of an ounce, but I'll use it sparingly consider it's pricey tag. Still, I love this, and I recommend this to pretty much everyone out there with different skintones and skin issues. I love how Hourglass' foundation stick has a wide range of shade selections for the massive consumers out there. I remember Hourglass is also cruelty-free brand. ABH stick foundation is actually vegan. This is not, but I believe it's still cruelty-free. It's a more high end makeup brand anyway so I can understand the price point. I thought the ABH would be a more affordable dupe to this, but after wearing them both for the three weeks that I was in Shanghai, I realized this is a much better product. 

What it is: 
A long-wearing foundation stick with the coverage of a concealer, fluidity of a liquid, and weightlessness of a powder for invisible full coverage. 

What it does: 
A foundation and concealer in one, Vanish Foundation’s concentrated formula is infused with double the amount of pigment versus traditional foundations for instant full coverage in one application. The long-wearing, waterproof formula provides 12 hour coverage, and the innovative formula adjusts to your body temperature to effortlessly blend into the skin. Encased in a unique triangular bullet for precise application along the contours of the face, it can be used to contour and highlight. It features an array of shades and it’s designed specifically to be used with the Vanish Foundation Brush for the most seamless finish. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
- Parabens 
- Sulfates 
- Phthalates 

What else you need to know: 
This unique foundation stick is a poured liquid formula designed to adjust to your own body temperature to blend into your skin, for the smoothest, most seamless finish. The intense concentration of pigment allows for the fullest coverage while maintaining a weightless feel on the skin. 

"I wanted a foundation that was full-coverage and easy to use on the go. I love that with one application it covers all imperfections and creates this amazingly seamless finish."—Carisa Janes, Hourglass Founder 

Research results: 
In a consumer study of 31 women after 1 week of use: 
- 100% reported product was fast and easy to use and apply 
- 97% saw an instant improvement in skin appearance 
- 97% reported product effectively covered redness and skin imperfections 
- 94% reported product blended seamlessly into their own skin 
- 94% reported product effectively covered skin discoloration, pores, blemishes and dark under eye circles 
- 90% reported product effectively covered hyperpigmentation and dark spots



I like how it's a triangular shaped stick foundation which sets itself apart from all the round ones that are out on the market.
This is how much you get from the stick, and it's only a quarter of what we are used to for a typical one ounce foundation. The hefty price tag for this amount is absurd, but you don't need a lot to cover the entire face. I only save this for days when I need extra coverage or if I'm going out.
This goes on very creamy and a little goes a long way comparing to the ABH stick foundation.
This shade matches me really well since it's a neutral undertone.
After it blends into the skin, it's almost undetectable!
Without flash, it looks great and very natural. It's skin-like, lightweight, and provides buildable coverage. I think it provides better coverage than the ABH stick foundation I reviewed earlier. I took this and the ABH with me to my recent Shanghai trip. I was there for 3 weeks, and the weather was humid and still pretty hot. I wore the ABH most of the time for a quick get ready everyday foundation. I opted for the Hourglass one when I need a little more coverage or if I have to go out at night with friends. I love how convenient stick foundations are, and I had no problem blending them out with either a brush or a beauty blender:)
With flash and has a slight white cast though this foundation doesn't have any SPF in it.
By the end of the night, my skin still looked fresh and not super greasy. (sorry about the red irritated eyes, got some allergic reaction)

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Kat Von D Project Chimp Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

I've already reviewed KVD's everlasting liquid lipsticks before, so I'm not going in depth about this one since the formula is the same. This is a new and limited edition color called Project Chimp. 20% of each sale goes to the charity of helping retired/older chimps back to nature/sanctuary. This color is a warm red with some brown in it which I guess you can call it a warm brick red. It's very flattering and it's pretty much a universal red for everyone. It's also quite perfect for the Fall and the holidays that are coming up:) This is also Vegan and Cruelty-free!!!

SUPER-LIMITED EDITION: Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in “Project Chimps”
Save the chimps, one perfect red lipstick at a time! Kat created this exclusive shade to benefit a cause very near to her heart—ending animal testing. For every Project Chimps Limited Edition lipstick sold, 20% of the retail price will go to Project Chimps, a nonprofit organization that has worked to stop the use of chimps in private biomedical research and retire them to a sanctuary. With limited edition packaging and a warm brick red shade, this collectible lipstick is flattering on all skintones, so everyone can rock it and support the cause!


THE life-proof lipstick that will not wear off! Yes, you can eat, drink, make up, break up and mouth-off knowing your lips are gonna stay flawless through it all!
In 28 to-die-for shades, this creamy formula glides over lips like a gloss and sets to a true matte finish. Along with 24-hour wear and high-pigment color, the next-generation formula is packed with natural moisturizers, including Vitamin E and Sunflower Seed Wax. All-day wear has never felt so comfortable!
Live happily Everlasting!
#VeganAlert!
100% Cruelty Free Forever!







Sunday, September 4, 2016

Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Foundation in Beige

I got the brand new Anastasia Beverly Hills' Stick Foundation in the shade Beige. It's 0.35oz and costs $25. You can now purchase this product from ABH's website, Sephora, or Ulta. Watch my first impression and demo video here. All the close-up swatches and wear test/review are below. I really like this stick foundation, especially after comparing the amount and price to the other two similar products I will mention in my review. I'm taking this with me to my upcoming Shanghai trip. The only downside with all of these stick foundations is the lack of SPF, so definitely remember to wear sunscreen! Oh, and extra plus for this being Vegan and Cruelty-free!!!



What it is: 
A multitasking, medium to full coverage stick foundation. 

What it does: 
This highly-pigmented, buildable cream stick foundation creates a natural-looking, matte finish. Idea for all skintones and combination to oily skin types, it’s easy to layer and delivers medium to full coverage with a smooth finish. It’s perfect for all-over coverage, touch ups, or highlighting and contouring. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
- Parabens 
- Sulfates 
- Phthalates
Ingredient: Beige: Caprylyl Methicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, Ozokerite, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire De Candelilla/Candelilla Cera, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Mica, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium Magnesium Silver Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane. May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).



Sleek tube packaging really resembles the Bobbi Brown foundation stick. While this costs $25, Bobbi Brown costs $46, and new Hourglass costs $45.


This is how much you get from the foundation, and it's less than half of an ounce which is way less than normal liquid foundations. Somehow, stick foundations are way less than liquid/cream/mousse foundations. This one has 0.35oz of product, Bobbi Brown one has 0.31oz, and the new Hourglass one only has 0.25oz.

Beige matches me perfectly, and there are tons of other shades to choose according to your skin tones and undertones.
It's definitely a thick cream stick formula and feels very similar to the Bobbi Brown foundation stick.
Looks quite flawless.
It's pretty much undetectable after blending in with my finger.
It gives off a very beautiful and natural finish with an illuminating primer underneath. Otherwise, it's a semi-matte/satin finish. I only applied once thin layer and then spot concealed with it. It's supposed to be buildable, but I don't like to pile on foundation. It quickly evens out skintone with just one thin layer, and that's what I like about it. It feels pretty weightless and blends in nicely. Only certain areas like where my fine lines are gets a tiny bit creasy/caky due to another layer when I spot concealed. I assume if you build this to an almost full coverage, your face will somewhat look a bit caky. Although I believe this stick foundation is more of a medium coverage and buildable to semi full coverage.
Even though this stick foundation doesn't have SPF in it, it somehow creates a slight white cast with flash photography(as seen below).
After 5 hours, there are more glow to my face, and I realized it's because of the Juice Beauty illuminating primer that I usually wear underneath causing the dewy glow. When I don't wear the primer underneath, I notice way less glow throughout the day. Still, the foundation held well, and doesn't disappear in areas even when my face get slight oily.